Source: Arab Studies, No.16

Abstract: Against the backdrop of modernization and global climate change, water scarcity has become an important issue in international politics, particularly in regions such as the Middle East, characterized by a pervasive lack of freshwater resources. Due to unique climatic features and escalating per capita water consumption, the water scarcity issue in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become increasingly critical, evolving into a paramount security concern for the nation. This paper, utilizing the Copenhagen School’s securitization theory, conducts an in-depth analysis of the securitization construction of water scarcity in the UAE. This includes exploring the reasons behind securitizing the water scarcity issue in the UAE, constructing securitization discourses, and implementing securitization practices. Via a comprehensive assessment in the practical and theoretical levels of the securitization of water scarcity in the UAE, this paper analyzes the impact of securitization on the UAE’ relations with Middle East countries.

Keywords: Securitization; Middle East; United Arab Emirates; Water Scarcity